[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 86 (Thursday, June 30, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 30, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
  URGING CRIME BILL CONFEREES TO INCLUDE THE STRONGEST VERSION OF THE 
                       VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT

  (Mr. OLVER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. OLVER. Mr. Speaker, domestic violence is among the most insidious 
of crimes. It is committed in the privacy of one's own home, behind 
drawn curtains and closed doors. The victims do not suffer on our 
streets or in our public parks but in their kitchens, their living 
rooms, and bedrooms all across America.
  These are private crimes, but violent crimes nonetheless. And victims 
of domestic violence cross all age and economic boundaries. Mr. 
Speaker, here are two cases from my own district.
  On March 22, 1993, Tara, age 22, a senior at the University of 
Massachusetts, was stabbed repeatedly by her former boyfriend, who was 
the father of her 11-month-old daughter. He then set her house on fire, 
and Tara died of smoke inhalation.
  On August 14, Kelly, age 27, of West Springfield, was murdered by her 
boyfriend. Kelly, who was pregnant, was shot in the head twice.
  The crime bill now in conference includes a provision I added to 
create advocates within the judicial system for victims of domestic 
violence. These advocates will ensure that domestic violence victims 
receive the full range of needed protection and support they are 
entitled to under the law.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge the crime bill conferees to include the strongest 
form of the Violence Against Women Act in their report along with full 
and necessary funding. Then we can go home to our districts knowing we 
have taken an important step toward ending the epidemic of domestic 
violence sweeping our country.

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